LEADERS Werneth fuelled talk of a first CLL title since 1989 after a ruthless 10-wicket triumph at Ashton confirmed their championship credentials.

Bowlers Sajith Fernando (4-28) and Shaun Perris (4-45) set the Coppice side on their way, restricting Ashton to a lowly 124 from 42.3 overs - despite opener Anil Ridee's 37.

Werneth raced to their target in just 22.1 overs as openers Alan Durose (49 not out) and Paul Gill (58 not out) killed the game off in clinical fashion.

The result keeps Werneth a point ahead of Rochdale - who beat Milnrow by eight wickets - and four ahead of Radcliffe - nine-wicket winners at Stand - who also have a game in hand.

Oldham lost to Littleborough at the Pollards after electing to take first guard. Although they batted for all but 10 balls of their 50 overs they could only post 124.

Wicketkeeper Jason Maher was top-scorer, notching 26 before being stumped by opposite number Grimrod. Clinton Perren did most of the damage, snaring Oldham's four top-order batsmen for just 28.

A shaky start saw Littleborough teetering on 29-4 before an outstanding knock of 71 from Gary Hulme and 31 from Chris Dearden guided them to 128-5.

Martin Smith was again in good form with the ball for Oldham, taking 4-33. Royton picked up five points with a great team effort at Unsworth.

Dion Taljard took 5-25, ripping out the middle order in a gruelling 25-over spell as Unsworth stumbled to 146 with a ball remaining of their 50 overs.

Guy Lovell also took 3-67 from his 18.5 over stint.

Despite the early loss of Warren Teall for just two, Royton marched to victory with unbeaten knocks from Matthew Ward (55) and left-handed pro Iqbal Imam (68).

Crompton lost to Middleton at Glebe Street after the visitors posted 159 in 45 overs. Captain Mel Whittle took 4-70 and pro Saeed Anwar took 5-45 with only John Punchard's 38 causing alarm.

However, after a reasonable start with good knocks from Glenn Rigby, (30), Tom Whittle (38) and Simon Wright (21), Crompton suffered a dramatic collapse - losing their last six wickets for just nine runs - as they were dismissed for 128 inside 40 overs.

Woodhouses kept their Lancashire County League title hopes alive with a comprehensive win over Denton at Medlock Road. Skipper Alan Starmer elected to bat in ideal conditions and led from the front, top-scoring with 71.

Denton's run-chase was unconvincing as they crashed to 138 all out. The right-arm medium-pace bowling of Chris Atherton did most of the damage, taking 6-41 to ensure the maximum five points.

The victory puts Woodhouses joint second, just five points behind leaders Denton West. Starmer said: "It's all back in our hands now as we have to play all three teams at the top before the season finishes."